A classically styled, well-made and unique watch does not need to cost that much. Offerings from small independent watchmakers, such as New Zealand-based Magrette, offer high-fashion looks directly from a passionate group of people. The Moana Pacific is one of Magrette’s latest models featuring a very solid 44mm-wide stainless steel case, a thick comfortable strap, an attractive retro-inspired dial, and character you simply cannot find elsewhere at this price. The Margrette Moana Pacific watch even comes with a few key features that identify the timepieces as New Zealand natives.

Part of the overall Regattare watch collection, the Moana Pacific has a few unique elements. It shares a case style and dome-shaped sapphire crystal with other Magrette Regattare timepieces, though the dial features thinner hour markers and cursive text for the model name, reminding you of how people paint names on their boats. The hands are broad, while the needle second hands are instrumental and soft on the eyes. A select part of the overall limited edition Magrette Moana Pacific watches have a special caseback fitted with native New Zealand Ancient Kauri wood. The wood is painstakingly harvested from unique underground swamps where the 40,000 year-old wood is preserved perfectly. Living Kauri trees are of the oldest in the world and protected. The wood is engraved and further inlaid with a sea shell that is similar to a darker mother of pearl.

The Magrette Moana Pacific has a reliable Japanese Miyota automatic movement powering the watch. The classic design is intentional, while the simple, clear lines of the watch are perpetually in style for those who like a hefty timepiece. This concept is mirrored on the strap buckle that is substantially sized and almost as wide as the watch case. The simple nature of the watch is a message to the wearer that the passing of time is natural, expected and nothing to worry much about. The soft leather strap is 24mm wide and available in various tones of brown or black -- making for a large, but highly comfortable timepiece. Other Magrette timepieces employ hand engravings on the watch cases in the style of native New Zealand Maori art. Like other timepieces in the Magrette watch collection, the Moana Pacific appeals to both dedicated watch lovers and those simply looking for a reasonably priced, but unique, watch.